West Belfast Area Intervention Project

We have joined together with partners to target services where they are needed most in the Lower Falls and Divis area of west Belfast.

The West Belfast Area Intervention Project, which we've committed £100,000 towards, is a pilot scheme but, if successful, we could use this model to help plan service delivery in other parts of the city.

As part of the scheme, we are helping to co-ordinate work to tackle issues which affect residents in this neighbourhood, on behalf of a range of agencies.

This work is part of our Investment Programme, which aims to create engaged and active communities to address inequality and tackle disadvantage.

What's happened so far?

Here are some examples of the kind of work taking place in the Lower Falls and Divis area:

three community clean-ups, with young people from Immaculata Football Club and Divis Area Youth Project

extra police patrols, as part of Operation Echinus

environmental improvements at Ross Road flats

an intensive cleansing and graffiti removal programme

extra dog warden patrols to encourage people to clean up after their pets

talks and workshops in local primary and nursery schools and community groups about recycling and anti-litter awareness

introduction of a new food waste and dry recycling scheme to some households, with plans to extend their further.

We are planning, together with our partners, other schemes for the area, including:

a new physical activity and sport forum offering opportunities for local sports clubs to work together and build their capacity

Threshold, a 12-week programme at Belfast Metropolitan College to provide employability skills and work experience preparation for young people aged 16 or older

several areas have been identified for possible improvements and there will be an opportunity for local residents to have their say through a visioning exercise about how these sites should look and could be used by the wider community

additional funding to help youth workers engage with young people, and encourage them to get involved in local programmes and activities

extra support classes for parents and personal development programmes for young people at Grosvenor Recreation Centre and other local venues.

Partners

Many agencies have provided financial and other support for the West Belfast Area Intervention Project, including:

Belfast Education and Library Board, West Belfast Area Project

Belfast Health Development Unit

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Belfast Metropolitan College

Department of Employment and Learning

Department for Regional Development, Roads Service NI

Department for Social Development, Belfast Regeneration Office

Local community and voluntary organisations

Local residents' associations

Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Probation Board Northern Ireland

Police Service for Northern Ireland

West Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership

Youth Justice Agency.

Get involved

If you live in the Lower Divis and Falls area, and would like to help your community or get involved in any of the projects listed here, call 028 9027 0215 or email policy@belfastcity.gov.uk for more information.